Weekend visit sealed decision for Rodgers

Monday

Jan 21, 2013 at 3:15 PM

Phil Kornblut

OL Na'Ty Rodgers of Pomfret, MD had made multiple unofficial visits to USC with others, but he took his official visit this past weekend solo, and with a purpose. He wanted to see what it was like for him by himself at USC and if it was the right fit. It was and he tweeted out his commitment Monday afternoon. "I really liked what I saw there by myself so I decided to pull the trigger," Rodgers said. "The staff has always been great. It's just a great place to be. The honesty of the coaching staff, the game day atmosphere, it's a place where you look forward to going and playing. And it's one of the greatest conferences." Before making his announcement, Rodgers had to meet this morning with Maryland recruiters and give them the news. "Of course, they are not going to like it, but that's recruiting," he said. He also canceled a planned visit to Florida State for this weekend. Rodgers can play anywhere on the line but is more of a guard or tackle and will be open to whatever line coach Shawn Elliott has in store for him. "I'll fit in wherever they want me to fit in," he said. "I want to get down there and compete." Rodgers is the fifth offensive lineman to commit for the Gamecocks' 2013 class and the 20th commitment overall.